BRANCH NEWS ARCHIVE - 2014

After tenanting the Rising Sun in Hampton Hill for 6 years, Shaun Hobson & Neil Pyper are moving on to pastures anew in 2015.

All Seasons Restaurant and Bar at the Cardinal Wolsey, The Green, Hampton Court Road, has closed and the name removed from the outside sign. This may be the result of the Landlord of Cardinal Wolsey pub appearing in court charged with manslaughter and perverting the course of justice after a man was hit by a van and fatally injured outside his premises and a CCTV camera overlooking the incident was allegedly damaged. Read more in the local Guardian.

The One Over The Ait in Brentford temporarily closed on Monday 15th because of flooding, and has advised its Twitter followers that it will not be trading until Wednesday at the earliest. Update: pub reopened 5pm on the 17th Dec.

The Red Lion at 164/166 Stanley Rd, Teddington, TW11 8UD, has reopened under new ownership after a refurbishment. This pub now serves 3 regular beers; Fuller's London Pride, Gales Seafarers Ale and Timothy Taylor Landlord with a guest beer from Twickenham Fine Ales. www.theredlionteddington.com

The Swan (Shepherd Neame) at 22 High Street, Hampton Wick, has now reopened after refurbishment and with a new tenant in charge. When visiting the pub today the 'guest' beer was Double Stout from Shepherd Neame's micro brewery. All cask beers were £3.90.

Windsor Castle at 152 Bath Rd, Hounslow is closed. The site was vacated in 2013.
A planning application 00083/152/P10* has now been submitted to Hounslow Council on 22nd Oct 2014. The application requests the "Demolition of 'The Windsor Castle' public house and the erection of a seven storey building comprising of commercial floorspace on the ground floor and 36 flats above." Application Status: 'Pending Consideration' Decision: "In Progress".

* click link a second time after checking terms and conditions.

The new Fuller's pub/restaurant in Brentford called One Over The Ait is now open to the public. Opening Hours: 11-11; 11-1am Fri; 10-1am Sat; 10-10.30 Sun.

The Red Lion at 164/166 Stanley Rd, Teddington, has been closed for a major refurbishment and will re-open on the 6th December 2014. The long term lease has been purchased by the J & J Pub Group, the owners of the Three Kings in Twickenham. This will be their second site in the local area. The pub will offer a strong food offering. The one regular beer (Doom Bar) will be replaced with three regular beers, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Seafarers, London Pride as well as a guest Twickenham ale at all times. As well as a number of other premium brands a selection Meantime craft beers will also be a permanent fixture. Live music is set to return on a weekly basis as well as a weekly quiz night.

O'Neils at 28 The Quadrant, Richmond, is now closed for refurbishment as a Nicholson's style pub. It will reopen on Thursday 27th November with its original pub name, listed in 1855 as being The Railway Tavern

The Hope at 115-117 Kew Road, Richmond, is currently being redecorated and and its name changed to Molly's. Former names have been Molly Malones and Hope of Richmond. This pub is advertised as Sold STC on the Fleurets website (Property Ref: LS-318857). Tenure: New Lease (from Enterprise Inns?).

The Twickenham Tavern at 11 London Rd, has closed for refurbishment before reopening as The Blue's Smokehouse - An American BBQ Restaurant - in January 2015. bluessmokehouse.com

The pub has been previously known as, Grand Union, Twickers, Hobgoblin, Filthy MacNasty's and Black Dog.

At the Richmond Business Awards 2014 the Crown at 174 Richmond Rd, Twickenham received a 'Commended' award in the Best Customer Service category.

The results of this years Pub of the Year as announced at the Twickenham Beer & Cider Festival were:

Rifleman, 7 Fourth Cross Rd, Twickenham - Winner!
Mason's Arms, 41 Walpole Rd, Teddington - Runner-up
Two pubs highly commended were the Magpie & Crown, 128 High St, Brentford
and the Red Lion, 92/94 Linkfield Rd, Isleworth.

The Mulberry Tree at 65 Richmond Road, Twickenham, reopened Thursday 23rd October. This pub was closed for a number of years. During this time it was renamed The Clubhouse & Emporium but not opened. This establishment has been previously called, Clubhouse; Mulberry Tree; Mongolian Barbeque; and Mackenzie’, so it's good to see it reopened under its original name. There are records of a pub called The Mulberry Tree on Richmond Road as far back as 1855. A notice on the window states that the opening hours initially will be 4pm to 11pm as refurbishing work is still ongoing. Their intention is to move from opening at 4pm to noon. The kitchen will open in the New Year. At the moment it's Cash Only at the bar.

The Swan (a Shepherd Neame pub) at 22 High Street, Hampton Wick, is closed for refurbishment. A notice on the door states that it is to reopen mid November 2014 under a new tenant.

Secretary of State for Business Vince Cable and Rt Hon MP Zac Goldsmith presented Twickenham Fine Ales an award for Best Small Business [Sponsor: Richmond Chamber of Commerce] at the 2014 Richmond Business Awards Gala Dinner and Reception on Friday, 17th October held in the Live Room at the RFU Twickenham Stadium. The judges praised their branding, growth and community involvement.

Congratulations! to MD Steve Brown, and all at the brewery.

Picture: Head Brewer Stuart Medcalf.

The Royal Oak in Isleworth has re-opened after an extensive refurbishment. Read more at www.brentfordtw8.com/default.asp?section=info&page=isleworth006.htm

A new pub/restaurant should be opening late November this year. One Over The Ait at Brentford is at the heart of the new St. George's development of apartments and flats beside the north end of Kew Bridge. It replaces the Waggon & Horses at 26 Kew Bridge Road, Brenford, that was closed for site redevelopment a few years ago. Fuller's are currently recruiting staff. The pub will be set over two levels with an upstairs kitchen and panoramic views over the river as well as terrace seating for up to 200 customers. This new pub is set to open on 21st November 2014 at 11am.

TIAA Henderson Real Estate has bought a portfolio of eight pub freeholds in Central and West London, all let to Spirit Pub Company, from Cerberus Capital Management for £54m. Of the eight, one sits within our branch area - The Ship at 10 Thames Bank, Ship Lane. Mortlake. SW14 7QR.

Not really branch area news, but the official launch of Pete Brew's Big Smoke Brew Co brewery based at The Antelope, 87 Maple Way, Surbiton, is happening on 11th Dec. 7-11.30pm.

Pete previously managed the Sussex Arms in Twickenham. Big Smoke Amber Ale will be available at the Twickenham Beer & Cider festival.

The Mute Swam at 3 Palace Gate, Hampton Court Way, will be holding a Champion Beers of Britain Week from Friday 17th October to 26th October. They will be featuring 20 real ales for the week with 7 on at any one time. The selection will feature gold medal beers such as Bank Top Dark Mild, Salopian Darwins Origin, Oakham Citra, Church End Fallen Angel, Castle Rock Black Gold, Branscombe Vale Mild, and Lochness Hoppyness, including the supreme beer champion Timothy Taylor's Boltmaker to name a few. www.brunningandprice.co.uk/muteswan/

Noble Green Wines at 153-155 High Street, Hampton Hill, are holding a beer festival this Saturday 11th Oct. Starts at midday till ~6pm. For more information see their Blog. www.noblegreenblog.com

The premises that was named Clubhouse & Emporium at 65 Richmond Road, Twickenham, TW1 3AW, that has been closed for over year, is to reopen in a month or so. A new Lease has been signed and contracts exchanged in August 2014, for what is described as 'a new seedling venture'. Their website states initially four Cask ales will be sourced direct from breweries as much as possible and changed every week. They hope to have the main bar open in about a month's time (Oct). The pub located very close to the Old Anchor that closed in April 2014, will open under its old name The Mulberry Tree that dates back to 1855.

The Sussex Arms at 15 Staines Rd, Twickenham, is holding an Orchard Pig's Cider & Sausage Festival on Saturday 27th September. Starts from noon.

The Sussex Arms at 15 Staines Rd, Twickenham, is holding a cider festival on Saturday 13th September 1pm - 9pm

Help SE London CAMRA Celebrate their 40th Anniversary by joining a circular tour around the branch area aboard a historic Routemaster bus visiting a number of their best pubs on Sunday 21st September. Meet 12pm at the Market Porter, Stoney St, SE1 for 12.30pm prompt departure. £10 per person towards the bus hire which must be paid in advance. More details can be found here (97k PDF).

On 13th September 2014, Twickenham Fine Ales will be celebrating their 10th anniversary with a party at the Brewery between Noon and 7pm. A large range of their beers will be available including a special Anniversary Ale. To help the party along there will also be live music and hot food.

Twickenham Fine Ales
18 Mereway Road
Twickenham. TW2 6RG

The price is £10 inc. 3 pints and glass. To book call Ben Norman (020) 8241 1825 or email info@twickenham-fine-ales.co.uk

@TwickenhamAles

The Express Tavern, 56 Kew Bridge Rd, Brentford, is currently closed for refurbishment and conversion to Express Ale & Cider House. The lease has been taken over by the pub group who have the Sussex in Twickenham and the Antelope in Surbiton. A notice outside says 'when open, 10 real ales and six ciders will be available.' See their website: expresstavern.co.uk

Update: Pub will be open on Thursday 25th September at 5pm.

The CÔTE Restaurant Group (www.cote-restaurants.co.uk) has taken up a new lease on The Royal Oak in Teddington. The lease was signed on Monday 18th August and pub subsequently closed on the 22nd. After a refurbishment the premises is to reopen 27th October and become the CÔTE Brasserie.

Bar 113 at 113 High Street, Hounslow, has been converted to an Indian Restaurant. Found to be still operating as a bar.

The Royal Oak, 128 Worton Rd, in Isleworth is currently closed for a major interior refurbishment. Their web site states 'New features include a 60-seater restaurant & function room with a bright conservatory right on the water's edge, a cosy new snug and acompletely refurbished bar area.' It's expected to re-opening in October 2014.

Daniel Rapa, the manager of The Moon Under Water, Hounslow has invited CAMRA members to join the upcoming 'Meet The Brewer' evenings. On the 13th August, the pub will be welcoming Dorking Brewery, and on the 20th August they will be welcoming the brewer from Windsor & Eton. Don't forget to take your Wetherspoon vouchers!

From Ady Smith, licensee of The Mitre, 20 St Mary's Grove, Richmond:
The pub (a privately owned free house) is undergoing a major programme of external refurbishment during August and September this year, which as required the erection of scaffolding to the whole of the exterior of the premises.

The pub remains open during this work, selling Young's Bitter and ales from the Twickenham brewery, offering the tastiest toasted sandwiches around at just £2.50, and providing the best in acoustic live music every Wednesday through our open mic nights.

Once complete, this lovely back street pub should look better than ever, and will continue to be staunchly old fashioned and traditional, family run with just one change of landlord in 30 years.

We hope your members and readers will be reassured that the scaffolding is not a portent of anything ominous or terminal to this classic backstreet watering hole, more a sign that the pub will continue to prevail, 161 years on from "first orders".

The organising company behind Fab Festivals (FAB), who have been promoting the Richmond Food & Beer Festival in Old Deer Park during the August Bank Holiday weekend, has ceased trading and cannot refund ticket-holders. See this week's Richmond & Twickenham Times.

This year is the 150th Anniversary of Hampton Railway Station. To celebrate this event there will be a Hampton Transport Gala on Sunday 7th September - 10am to 5pm - Hampton Station, Ashley, Percy & Wensleydale Roads, and Station Approach. See their website for further detail: www.hamptontransportgala.co.uk

Twickenham Fine Ales will be providing a Beer Tent and brewing a special Anniversary Ale for the occasion.

Two planning applications have been submitted to Richmond Council for the ex Old Anchor site in Twickenham.

• 14/2391/FUL In Progress - Erection of two storey extension to existing building to provide additional floor space to the ground floor and 2 new two-bedroom maisonettes above. Alteration to existing flat on the first floor to convert and extend to provide 2 one-bedroom maisonettes. Erection of 1.5 storey side extension to provide separate access to proposed residential dwellings.
• 14/2944/FUL In Progress - Overboarding of existing windows and doors.

The Brewery Tap in Brentford reopened on Friday 21st July after a refurbishment. See Flickr website: https://www.flickr.com/photos/viktor_web_studios/sets/72157630455413260/show/

The Orange Tree at 45 Kew Road, Richmond has posted the following message on their website:

"We will be closed from 21st July until 21st August for refurbishment, however we will re-open in August with a newly refurbished bar, restaurant and an additional 13 boutique hotel bedrooms! "

It's been reported that The Mansion (formerly Rose and Crown) in High Street Feltham, TW13 4HS, has closed on Thursday, 17th July, 2014. A sign on the door states closed forever.

Planning permission (13/1167/FUL) has been granted (07/10/2013) to convert the Dukes Head, 122 High Street, Hampton, TW12 2ST into three x 2 bed room flats.

The Bell at 2, Staines Rd, Hounslow, TW3 3JS has reopened.

The Duke of Cambridge Kingsley Road, Hounslow. A Planning Application (P/2013/4019 00667/1-3/P2) submitted in Nov 2013 has now been approved (18/02/2014). Erection of single storey side, first floor rear and single storey rear extensions. A roof extension and use of upper floor as Guest House and division of ground floor into 5 separate units comprising 2 offices, a hairdresser, guest house reception and a restaurant/takeaway.

The Milford Arms, 574 London Road, Isleworth. It's been reported on the BITE website that the Pub has re-opened with a new female landlord, and is due for a refurb in the next month or so.

Kings Arms, 40 Albion Road, Twickenham. Planning Application (14/2429/FUL) in progress for the part demolition of the existing rear and side extensions, the enlargement of the basement and the conversion of the ground floor and basement into 3 No.2 bedroom flats, the creation of lightwells with balconies together with 3 off-street car parking spaces, refuse, recycling and cycle parking areas. Decision due: 07/08/2014.

The Court Jester situated in Hampton Square and near Sainsbury's reopened under new ownership in December 2013. The pub has been renamed The Hampton and been transformed. It now has four real ales on tap and the pub is Cask Marque accredited. Not less than 55 whiskys are available as well as food and a coffee bar from 8am.

Ian White (CAMRA London regional Cider Co-ordinator) has announced that the Sussex Arms has been judged 2014 CAMRA London Cider Pub of The year.

News via Facebook and Twitter is that the Ales & Tails Restaurant and Craft Beer Bar at 29/31 York Street, Twickenham, has closed it's doors. The pub (ex The Ranch) re-opened in November 2012, it's future is now uncertain.

It's been reported that work has started to demolition the Sawyers Arms at 25 Ashford Rd, Feltham.

A refurbishment of The Bridge at Barnes has been completed.

The Refectory, Hampton Hill is closed from 2nd June for planned maintenance work and will re-open on Saturday June 14th - "bigger, better and sound proofed!!

Fuller's will be opening a new pub later this year (Sept?) called One over the Ait located beside the river at Kew Bridge. It will be the second largest pub investment made by Fuller's so far. The pub will be arranged over two levels with an upstairs kitchen and panoramic view over the river as well a terrace seating for up to 200 customers. The new pub and bistro is described in the developer St George's 'Kew Bridge newsletter' as a "stylish new riverside bar", which will replace the current sales office.

The One over the Ait replaces the Waggon & Horses at 26 Kew Bridge Road, Brenford, that was closed for site redevelopment a few years ago.

The Old Anchor at 71 Richmond Rd, Twickenham, has now been boarded-up.

On Thursday 15th May, RealAle.com (Off-licence) are hosting a Meet The Brewer evening with Arbor Ales, Harbour & Siren, and Badseed breweries in the shop from 6pm to 9pm.

The Botanist on Kew Green has reopened today after an extensive refurbishment. Still part of the M&B chain, but with its own independent branding. The pub will feature cask beers from local breweries, and craft beers from the UK and abroad. Good food will be the pub's main focus. The Pub's disused Brewkit has now been removed.

A new pub company (Hawthorn Leisure) has exchanged contracts for the acquisition of a portfolio of 275 tenanted and leased pubs from Greene King. It is not known what pubs in our branch area will be affected by this transaction.

Read the full story in the Publican's Morning Advertiser.

The Old Anchor (ex Young's and now a FREE House) at 71 Richmond Rd, Twickenham will be closing its doors after last orders on Monday 28th April. Barry & Rachel who have run the pub for 6 years will be handing over the keys on Wednesday 30th April to their Landlords after being given notice to quit. The Landlord's last planning application submitted to Richmond Planning Dept was refused. The owners ultimate aim is turn the pub (est. in 1897) into dwellings.

See Planning application: 14/0336/FUL

The house band 'Mighty Handful' will be playing on Sat 26th April from 8pm, and Rachel's last ever Sunday Lunch is on the 27th.

The Kew Gardens Hotel on 292 Sandycombe Rd, is running a beer festival from Wed 23rd - Mon 28th April and in particular they have a meet the brewers session 7-9pm on Wed 23rd. Most of these brewers (they are expecting 8 or 9) will be local (Sambrooks, Trumans, Twickenham - and not so local Sharps) and will also include the embryonic Kew Brewery with a few samples.
See event poster (pdf).

They normally have 14 beers on tap at any time and the brewers will bring along other samples of their ranges to try (normally for free) and if they have their normal pricing policy, remaining pints will be £3.75 regardless of ABV.

It has been reported that the Lofty Turtle bar and restaurant at 505-507 Upper Richmond Road West, East Sheen, has changed hands. No cask or bottled beer served.

The subject of Beer gets a full page spread in the Richmond & Twickenham Times this week. Realale.com are the major item with International beer judge Melissa Cole supporting their enterprise. Dave Scott is also featured who hopes to bring his home brewing and nascent Kew Brewery to commercial production in the near future, mimicking what Twickenham Fine Ales have done for Twickenham. See Dave Scott's Facebook page.

The Revolution Vodka & Cocktails Bar in Whittaker Avenue, Richmond, reopened 14th March after a major refurbishment.

The Milford Arms, 574 London Rd, Isleworth, is reported to have closed last year.

The Kings Arms at 40 Albion Road, Twickenham, has been closed and boarded-up on February 16th, and unlikely to be re-opened as a pub. Freehold has been sold by www.winterhilllargo.com.

The Greyhound at 82 Kew Green, Richmond, Kew, TW9 3AP, is closed for refurbishment, Monday 3rd March reopening on Thursday 28th March.

The Railway Bell in Station Road, Hampton has been taken on by a new Landlord. The pub re-opened four weeks ago. They have two regular beers, Courage Best and Betty Stogs + 3 guest ales.

The Mute Swan, 3 Palace Gate, Hampton Court, described as 'a traditional English dining pub' opened its doors at 5pm today. A good selection of cask ales available.

See their web site: www.muteswan.co.uk

What was the Royal Oak in Twickenham has now re-opened under a new name, Stokes & Moncreiff and new management. The pub is bookings only, before the England internationals and then it opens to everyone once the games start. Gastro style food. If you are wondering about the new name of the pub, it commemorates the first ever Rugby Union international game between England and Scotland in 1871. Team Captains: Fred Stokes (Eng) and Francis Moncrieff (Scot). The bar is awaiting four hand-pulls to be installed. As a temp measure there is a cask of XT 4 on the bar, gravity dispensed.

The Grand reopening of the Prince Blücher, 124 The Green, Twickenham, takes place 14th Feb. This is also the day that the Eel Pie at 9-11 Church Street Twickenham, reopens (6pm).

A new pub/restaurant is opening in Hampton Court called The Mute Swan (previously Blubeckers Restaurant that had closed). It's located at 3 Palace Gate, Hampton Court, Surrey, KT8 9BN, and is due to open on the evening of 18th February 2014.

Stated on their web site: www.brunningandprice.co.uk/muteswan

"We're planning a substantial investment to restore the building to its former splendour. We intend to strip the property back to the core original building, then sensitively re-design the interior, reopening late February as a traditional pub restaurant. It will have a proper bar at the centre of the premises featuring a good selection of cask ales..." The opening beer line-up:

• Brunning and Price Original Bitter 3.8 ABV (brewed by Phoenix (formerly Oak) Brewery in Heywood, Manchester)
• TFA Naked Ladies 4.4 ABV
• By The Horns Diamond Geezer 4.9 ABV
• Sambrook's Wandle 3.8 ABV
• Windsor and Eton Windsor Knot 4% ABV

Brunning & Price are a family of pubs mainly based in the North West of England and North Wales with a growing selection in the South.

The Rifleman at 7 Fourth Cross Rd, Twickenham, has been declared the winner of the 2013 Inn Sign Society Sign of the Year. A framed certificate was presented to Mick Laker and Paula Simonon, landlord and landlady of the pub on Friday, 17th January 2014.

On the 27th Oct 2012 the then Mayor of the Borough of Richmond upon Thames, Councillor Rita Palmer, presided over the dedication of the new repainted pub sign. This was to commemorate Frank Edwards (1893-1964) 'The Footballer of Loos' - who lived locally. A YouTube video of the event at the pub by Alan Benns can be viewed at: http://youtu.be/0_a_fVTlGyU

The Railway Bell in Station Road, Hampton is soon to be taken on by a new Landlord. Kirsten & Steve Roy are giving up the pub (and have no plans for staying in the pub business). All staff have been given notice, and the pub temporarily closed until the new landlord moves in. The pub has regularly featured in the Good Beer Guide.

The Koyote Bar, 33-35 York St, Twickenham, that closed some time ago has now become an Estate Agent called 'haart'.

Please note in your diary - Richmond fine food and Real ale Festival. This is a new event taking place over Bank Holiday weekend, 23rd to 25th August. Combining two large scale events; a food festival with a host of local food and drink exhibitors, demonstrations; tastings and culinary master classes; alongside a beer festival showcasing over 100 real ales and 50 ciders and perries. £22 a ticket!

Facebook: www.facebook.com/richmondfoodandale

Pete Brew and Ash who successfully brought the Sussex Arms to provenance in Twickenham as a Mecca for Ale & Cider is now to take on and run The Antelope at 87 Maple Rd, Surbiton. The pub is expecected to be open 5pm 6th Feb 2014. www.theantelope.co.uk.

At the Branch Committee meeting held on 14th Jan at the Red Lion Isleworth Paul Firby agreed to fill the vacant position of Pubs Officer for the Branch.

The London Borough of Hounslow Planning Dept. have received (6th Jan 2014) a notification to demolish The Sawyers Arms pub at 25 Ashford Road, Feltham. This suggests that Fuller's have sold the pub to a developer. The pub closed last year and has been debranded. System Ref: P/2014/0035 (Planning Ref: 00051/25/DEM1)

Three pubs in Twickenham have closed temporarily:
Eel Pie, 9/11 Church St, closed from Jan 1st 2014 until February 2014 for a major transformation.
Prince Blücher, 124 The Green (being refurbished). Should reopen 15th Feb.

Royal Oak, 13 Richmond Rd, Twickenham is now under new management and is expected to reopen in February 2014.

The official presentation of the Richmond & Hounslow Branch Pub of the Year award for 2013 took place at the Sussex Arms in Twickenham on the 9th Jan 2014. The picture shows Fin Gloyn and Alex McKenna receiving the award from Charles Owens the Branch Chairman.

Kew Gardens Hotel at 292 Sandycombe Road, Richmond are holding a 'Meet the Brewer' evening on the 15th Jan @7pm with Paul Ramsay of Truman's brewery. Several of their beers will be available on the evening all at discounted price (20% off).

On Wednesday 8th the bar was serving: Kew True Brew (house beer brewed by Greene King); Portobello Market Porter; Portobello Star; Sambrooks Wandle; Trumans Original Porter and Rosie's Pig cider on hand pull.

The old Young's & Co Ram Brewery site in Wandsworth previously owned by Minerva has been purchased by a Chinese developer - Greenland Group. Their approved plan includes the restoration of Grade I and Grade II* listed micro-brewery buildings and the creation of a brewing museum. Read more...

Twickenham Fine Ales have launched their new web site - twickenham-fine-ales.co.uk, where you can find out about their range of beers, Brewery Bar & Shop, Brewery Tours. Also follow them on Twitter @TwickenhamAles

The Load of Hay at 330 Staines Rd, Bedfont (East) has reopened 'under new management' since December 2013.

Tickets will be on sale soon for the Richmond Fine Food and Real Ale Festival 2014 in Old Deer Park, Richmond upon Thames, from August 23rd to August 25th, 2014.